Kevin Doyle, Botanist with the WI-DNR, shows us the unique flora of the Western Prairie Ecological Landscape, and the northern portion of the Western Coulees and Ridges Ecological Landscape (also known as the “Driftless Region.”)

After the banquet, Dr. Shawn Schottler, Senior Scientist for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station-Science Museum of Minnesota, presents “Good Plants, Bad Plants and You.” This presentation offers new and maybe slightly warped perspectives on how we view plants, and how they do or do not meet our conservation objectives - such as creating habitat for pollinators.

TPE Photo ContestA major highlight of every TPE annual conference is the Photo Contest. Photos can be submitted by anyone of anything related to prairies and savannas. The finalists will be selected by the conference host chapters, and the winners are determined by a vote of the conference participants. All finalists receive the framed print of their photo used at the conference, and the winning photograph will be used on the cover of our next annual report. Please send your photo files by email before Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 to Joe Rising at TPE@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org. Please contact Joe at (608) 638- 1873 with any questions. To right: 2018 contest winner- Randy Schindle's "Rusty Patched Bumble Bee on Anise Hyssop".

Pre-Conference Social Gathering
On Friday, March 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., we gather at the Stout Ale House (1501 N. Broadway St, Menomonie.) to welcome all conference attendees and guests. There will be a cash bar and a limited menu from which you can order dinner.

Raffle & Silent Auction
Bid on and buy raffle tickets for a variety of great items, such as cookies, jams, honey, artwork, beer and wine. The raffle and silent auction benefit the local chapter. If you wish to donate to the raffle and silent auction, contact your chapter chairperson no later than Feb. 1.

Sponsors and Exhibitors
Visit our sponsor and exhibitor displays featuring information about plants, land management and more. The Prairie Enthusiasts will have a table where you can purchase tote bags, t-shirts, hats, books and other items. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.